This is my first mini-project for EDTECH 513 at Boise State University. I reformatted it as a pdf for better viewing.

2. Multimedia and Contiguity Principles
in the e‐Learning Environment
Instructional Objectives:
After viewing this presentation, learners will be able
to correctly identify elements of the Multimedia and
Contiguity Principles in the e‐Learning environment
with 100% accuracy.

3. Multimedia and Contiguity Principles
in the e‐Learning Environment
Multimedia Principle: Include both text and graphics
to enhance and support effective learning.
Contiguity Principle: Place printed words near
corresponding graphics to minimize the cognitive
load on working memory and to maximize deep
learning.

4. Multimedia Principle
Include both text and graphics to enhance and support effective learning.
Example below: The image and the text support the message. Without the
text, it would be hard to tell what the message is.
It’s time to get your teeth cleaned!

5. Multimedia Principle
Include both text and graphics to enhance and support effective learning.
Example below: The image and the text support the message. Without the
text, it would be hard to tell where this scene is located.
Greece

6. Multimedia Principle
Include both text and graphics to enhance and support effective learning.
Example below of graphic use only: Without the text, it’s hard to figure out what is
happening in the image.

7. Contiguity Principle
Place printed words near corresponding graphics to minimize the cognitive load
on working memory and to maximize deep learning.
Good Example: It’s easy to tell which shape is which because the placement of
the text is in close proximity to its match.
Square
Heart
Circle

8. Contiguity Principle
Place printed words near corresponding graphics to minimize the cognitive load
on working memory and to maximize deep learning.
Good Example: It’s clear that the image on the left is a chicken and the image
on the right is a rabbit because the appropriate text matches the image.
Chicken Rabbit

9. Contiguity Principle
Place printed words near corresponding graphics to minimize the cognitive load
on working memory and to maximize deep learning.
Example of a confusing message: It’s hard to tell which animal is which
because the placement of the text is not in close proximity to its match.
Rabbit
Chicken

10. Review +
The Multimedia Principle refers to the use of both text and graphics to
enhance and support effective learning. Best practices of this principle include
the use of meaningful, concise text and graphics.
Good Example: Bad Example:
When learning how to type: When learning how to type:
The correct placement of your hands Put your hands here.
on the keyboard is an important step
in learning how to type effectively
and efficiently.

11. Review +
The Contiguity Principle refers to placing printed words near corresponding graphics to
minimize the cognitive load on working memory and to maximize deep learning. Best
practices of this principle include placing important information about the graphic on the
same page for the greatest impact on learning. Use arrows to direct the eye to related
information.
Good example:
Clock in by 9:00 am or before.
Place your timecard directly into the slot
below the red marker
for an accurate reading of your start time.
Don’t be late!

12. What Have You Learned?
1. In the e‐Learning environment, what are two elements of the Multimedia
Principle that, according to research, are known to support the message and
enhance learning when used together.
A. Audio and Text
B. Videos and Audio
C. Text and Graphics
D. Graphics and Audio
* Check on the next slide for the answer.

13. What Have You Learned?
1. In the e‐Learning environment, what are two elements of the Multimedia
Principle that, according to research, are known to support the message and
enhance learning when used together.
A. Audio and Text
B. Videos and Audio
C. Text and Graphics (correct!)
D. Graphics and Audio
* If you missed this, go back and review the Multimedia Principle, again. 
* When both text and graphics are use effectively to support the message,
learning is enhanced. Correct spelling and grammar are important, too.

14. What Have You Learned?
2. The Multimedia Principle: In the e‐Learning environment, which example uses
text and graphics most effectively to support the message and enhance
learning?
A . B.
This surfer is riding a This serfer is riding a
right point break. Notice right point brake.. Notice
that he/she is wearing a that he is wearing a
wetsuit. What do you wetsuit. What do you
think that says about the think that says about the
water temperature? water tempertere.

15. What Have You Learned?
2. The Multimedia Principle: In the e‐Learning environment, which example uses
text and graphics most effectively to support the message and enhance
learning?
A . B.
Correct!
This surfer is riding a This serfer is riding a
right point break. Notice right point brake.. Notice
that he/she is wearing a that he/she is wearing a
wetsuit. What do you wetsuit. What do you
think that says about the think that says about the
water temperature? water tempertere.
Spelling and grammar errors detract from the message.

16. What Have You Learned?
3. When designing instruction for the e‐Learning environment, what are 2
elements of the Contiguity Principle that the designer should consider to
increase the learning and minimize cognitive load?
A. Place the text in close proximity to the matching graphic.
B. Increase the font size to maximize deep learning.
C. Use arrows to direct the eye to important information.
D. Put the answers where they can’t be seen.
* Check on the next slide for the answer.

17. What Have You Learned?
3. When designing instruction for the e‐Learning environment, what are 2
elements of the Contiguity Principle that the designer should consider to
increase the learning and minimize cognitive load?
A. Place the text in close proximity to the mat